Delaware was the foundation for much of our nation, and even though our state is small, historic sites are significant in our landscape. Records of the three counties of Delaware, which still remain today, date back to 1683, leaving over 300 years of legacy in historical Delaware landmarks and monuments.

Sure, you can read about them in a book or online. But better yet, you can go visit them in person and get a feel for what it was really like way back when.

1. The Kalmar Nyckel
920 Pettinaro Park Dr, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA
TCDavis / Flickr
The Kalmar Nyckel to Delaware is like the Mayflower of Massachusetts. While this tall ship is not the original, it is a replica upon which you can climb aboard for a sail back in time to the first settlers to the state. You can even take a pirate sail aboard the Kalmar Nyckel, one of the most famous Delaware historical sites.
2. Old Swedes Church, Wilmington
606 N Church St, Wilmington, DE 19801, USA
University of Delaware Library / Flickr
It's a pretty well-known fact in Delaware that Swedish settlers were some of the first Europeans to land here. This historic church and surrounding graveyard are some of the last remaining landmarks of the 1600s when the Swedes purchased land from Native American tribes. And Old Swedes Church happens to be the oldest church in the state and one of the most historic Delaware landmarks.
3. Hagley Museum, Wilmington
Hagley Museum, 200 Hagley Creek Rd, Wilmington, DE 19807, USA
Doramon / Flickr
While most people think of DuPont for chemicals in modern times, the company had its roots in gunpowder in the early 1800s. Visit the site of some of the first gunpowder mills built by E.I. DuPont. The Hagley Museum is one of the best-known Delaware historical sites.
4. Nemours Mansion and Gardens, Wilmington
Nemours Estate, 1600 Rockland Rd, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA
Robert Lyle Bolton / Flickr
Would you believe that a man built this mansion on a 300-acre estate for his wife? Now that's a gift! Alfred I. DuPont (yes, the same family from #3) named the mansion after a French town where his family was from, and it oozes French influence. It's one of the most remarkable historical places in Delaware.
5. Fort Miles, Lewes
Fort Miles Historic Area, 15099 Cape Henlopen State Park, Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Lee Cannon / Flickr
Fort Miles is one of the more recent historic landmarks in Delaware to hit the state's timeline. This fort, located within what is now Cape Henlopen State Park, was an American military post, constructed to keep watch for enemy ships along the Delaware coast. It was completed just days before the Pearl Harbor attack.
6. First State Heritage Park, Dover
First State Heritage Park, 43 The Green, Dover, DE 19901, USA
First State Heritage Park / Facebook
William Penn established the lower counties of Delaware and made Dover the Kent County seat in late 1683. While movements to relocate the state capital, once New Castle, began in the 1770s, it wasn't until 1781 that it was officially transferred to Dover. Many historic buildings are scattered throughout the town but the First State Heritage Park is a good place to start.
7. Winterthur Museum and Gardens, Wilmington
Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, 5105 Kennett Pike, Winterthur, DE 19735, USA
Peter Bond / Flickr
Yet another DuPont estate (this one built by Henry Francis DuPont), this country estate dates to the 1880s and features American arts from 1640 and 1860. It's one of the most enchanting historical sites in Delaware.
8. Fort Delaware, Delaware City
Fort Delaware State Park, 45 Clinton St, Delaware City, DE 19706, USA
Simon / Flickr
Fort Delaware is one of the most iconic of Delaware's famous landmarks. Located in the Delaware River on Pea Patch Island, the fortress was originally built after the War of 1812 to guard traffic on the waterway. It then was used as a Prisoner of War camp, and finally is now one of Delaware's State Parks. Visit and learn from reenactors about the misery on the island.

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9. Lightship Overfalls, Lewes
Lightship Overfalls LV-118, 219 Pilottown Rd, Lewes, DE 19958, USA
Mike Mahaffie / Flickr
Climb aboard the last ever constructed ligh vessel in the U.S. What's a lightship? It's like a floating lighthouse, used when the land in need of a lighthouse isn't suitable for one. This beauty is one of 17 remaining and it's one of the most famous historical sites in Delaware.
10. Historic Odessa
Odessa, DE, USA
Lee Cannon / Flickr
Tour homes from the 18th century in Odessa, which was a mainstay in Delaware's shipping heritage. Odessa was the main port for grain from the lush agricultural fields surrounding the area and is one of the best small towns in Delaware.
11. Old Courthouse, Georgetown
10 S Bedford St, Georgetown, DE 19947, USA
Old Courthouse, Georgetown, Delaware / Facebook
Built in the 1790s, the old courthouse in Georgetown served as the home of the county legislature for decades, until a newer, larger courthouse was built. Now a historic landmark, it still features the old whipping post. To learn more, visit the Old Courthouse Facebook page.
12. Historic New Castle
New Castle, DE 19720, USA
Chrisstorb / Flickr
New Castle, Delaware traces its roots back to the 1650s and the town has preserved many of the historic sites that served an important role in the state. Be sure to check out the courthouse, the landing place of William Penn, the Amstel House and more.
13. Governor Ross Mansion, Seaford
Governor Ross Mansion, 23669 Ross Station Rd, Seaford, DE 19973, USA
Lee Cannon / Flickr
Built in 1859, the Governor Ross Mansion and Plantations were home to the Governor of Delaware from 1814-1887. William H. Ross built this Italian style mansion along the railroad he planned to build. But its history makes it ones of the darkest historical places in Delaware.
14. Mason Dixon Marker, Delmar
White Clay Creek State Park, Park Office, 750 Thompson Station Rd, Newark, DE 19711, USA
Jimmy Emerson DVM / Flickr
The town of Delmar, Delaware sits on the Delaware-Maryland border, hence its name. Visit the marker that is the Number One marker of the Mason-Dixon line, located at the southwestern point of the line. It's one of the most famous landmarks in Delaware.
15. John Dickinson Plantation, Dover
John Dickinson Plantation, 340 Kitts Hummock Rd, Dover, DE 19901, USA
John Dickinson Plantation / Facebook
John Dickinson was a founding father of the United States who spent his time between Philadelphia and his childhood home on the St. Jones River. The museum and plantation are open to the public and feature tours, reenactments, and period events. The John Dickenson Plantation is one of the most historical places in Delaware.
16. Barratt's Chapel, Frederica
Barratts Chapel Road, Barratts Chapel Rd, Delaware, USA
Jimmy Emerson DVM / Flickr
Barratt's Chapel is a little country chapel located in Kent County is considered to be the 'cradle of Methodism' in the U.S. It is the oldest standing church in the U.S. dedicated to and in service of the Methodist faith. A walk around the gravestones show dates from the church's inception in the 1700s.

So for the history buffs out there, we know that you have other Delaware landmarks full of history that you like to visit. What are your favorites? Let us know in the comment

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More to Explore

Delaware Landmarks

Melissa M. | August 09, 2022

What is the oldest landmark in Delaware?

The oldest building and the oldest landmark in Delaware happens to be the Ryves Holt House, Built in 1665, this house sits in the historic seaside town of Lewes. It survived Lord Baltimore’s raid on the town, making it one of the most revered buildings in the state.

What is the most popular landmark in Delaware?

While there are numerous historical landmarks in Delaware, among the most popular are Winterthur Museum, Garden and Library, the Delaware Art Museum, and the Hagley Museum. At each place, you can immerse yourself in history and beauty and each place makes a wonderful day trip destination. 

What are some of the most historic landmarks in Delaware?

Some of the most historic places in the First State are also on the National Register of Historic Places. There are over 40 historical sites on the registry. Whether it’s Fort Christina Park, Belmont Hall, or the Jacob Broom House, you are visiting a key piece of Delaware’s history 

 

 

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